11 Lunchbox Side Dishes That Complete Every Meal for Back-to-School Lunches

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Crunchy Veggie Sticks With Hummus

Crunchy veggie sticks with hummus make for a revitalizing and healthy side dish that is perfect for lunchboxes. This dish combines a variety of fresh, crisp vegetables served with creamy hummus for dipping. Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it’s also a fun and colorful addition that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Instructions:

1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly and pat dry.
2. Peel the carrots and cut them into sticks; slice the celery into sticks as well.
3. Cut the cucumber into sticks or rounds, and slice the bell pepper into strips.
4. Arrange the prepared veggies and cherry tomatoes on a plate or in a lunchbox compartment.
5. Serve with a portion of hummus for dipping, and drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt if desired. Enjoy!

Quinoa Salad With Vegetables

Quinoa salad with vegetables is a nutritious and vibrant side dish that is perfect for lunchboxes. This dish offers a delightful combination of cooked quinoa and an array of fresh vegetables, making it a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. It’s not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and dressings.

Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water and then add it to a pot with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed.
2. While quinoa cooks, prepare the vegetables by dicing the bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion, and halving the cherry tomatoes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the diced vegetables.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture, and toss gently to combine. Add chopped parsley if desired.
6. Allow the salad to cool before packing it into lunchboxes or serving. Enjoy!

Cheese and Crackers Platter

Cheese and crackers platter is a classic and easy-to-prepare side dish that is perfect for lunchboxes. This dish consists of various types of cheeses paired with an assortment of crackers, making it a delightful and savory option that can be customized based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as appealing to kids as it is to adults.

Instructions:

1. Choose a selection of cheeses and cut them into bite-sized pieces or appropriate slices for serving.
2. Arrange the assorted cheeses on a serving platter or lunchbox.
3. Add a variety of crackers around the cheese, ensuring they are well spaced for easy access.
4. If desired, include some optional items like grapes or cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a small bowl of hummus or dip for added flavor and texture.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs, if using, for a pop of color and presentation.
6. Pack the platter into lunchboxes and enjoy!

Fruit Skewers for a Sweet Treat

Fruit skewers are a colorful and invigorating addition to any lunchbox, making them a fun and nutritious way to enjoy a variety of fruits. These skewers are easy to assemble and can be customized to suit individual tastes, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that kids will love. Perfect for a healthy snack or dessert, fruit skewers can brighten up any lunch.

Instructions:

1. Wash and prepare the assorted fresh fruits by cutting them into bite-sized pieces as needed.
2. Thread the fruit pieces onto the wooden or bamboo skewers, alternating between different fruits for a vibrant look.
3. Repeat until all the skewers are filled with fruit.
4. If desired, serve with a small bowl of yogurt or honey for dipping.
5. Pack the fruit skewers into lunchboxes and enjoy!

Mini Caprese Bites

Mini Caprese Bites are a delightful and elegant option for lunchbox side dishes that combine the fresh flavors of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese. These bite-sized treats are perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a taste of classic Italian cuisine in a portable format. They not only make a nutritious addition to any meal but also provide a visually appealing, colorful touch that is sure to impress.

Instructions:

1. Wash the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
2. On each skewer or toothpick, thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf. Repeat until the skewers are filled.
3. Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving plate.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pack the Mini Caprese Bites into lunchboxes and enjoy!

Savory Roasted Chickpeas

Savory Roasted Chickpeas are a crunchy, protein-packed snack that make an excellent side dish for lunchboxes. These little legumes are seasoned to perfection and can be adjusted to suit different taste preferences, making them a versatile option for both kids and adults. They add a satisfying crunch and a healthy boost to any meal, making them a great alternative to traditional chips.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas, then dry them thoroughly with a paper towel.
3. In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Spread the chickpeas out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy and golden.
6. Allow to cool before packing into lunchboxes for enjoyment!

Cucumber and Avocado Rolls

Cucumber and Avocado Rolls are a invigorating and healthy side dish that’s perfect for lunchboxes. These rolls combine the crispness of cucumber with the creamy texture of avocado, creating a delightful bite that’s both nutritious and satisfying. They can be customized with a variety of fillings to suit your taste preferences, making them a fun and versatile option for any meal.

Instructions:

1. Slice the cucumber lengthwise to create long, thin strips using a vegetable peeler or mandoline.
2. In a bowl, mash the avocado and mix with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. If using, add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
3. Spread a thin layer of the avocado mixture onto each cucumber strip.
4. Roll the cucumber strips tightly from one end to the other, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and pack into lunchboxes for a tasty treat!

Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is a vibrant and satisfying side dish that marries colorful veggies and tender pasta with a zesty Italian dressing. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also easy to customize, making it an excellent choice for lunchboxes or picnics. It provides a great balance of carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats, ensuring both taste and nutrition are met in one delightful serving.

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, chopped cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced olives.
2. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad, tossing until well combined.
3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
5. Portion into lunchboxes and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Apple Slices With Nut Butter

Instructions:

1. Wash and slice the apples into wedges or rounds, removing the core if necessary.
2. Spread a generous layer of nut butter on each apple slice.
3. If desired, sprinkle optional toppings such as granola, raisins, or cinnamon for added flavor and texture.
4. Arrange the apple slices in lunchboxes or serve immediately. Enjoy!

Whole Grain Pita Chips and Salsa

Whole Grain Pita Chips and Salsa make a perfect lunchbox side dish, offering a crunchy and flavorful addition to any meal. The whole-grain pita chips are not only healthier than traditional chips but pair wonderfully with a zesty salsa for a revitalizing bite. This combination is nutritious, satisfying, and easy to prepare.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the whole grain pita bread into triangles.
3. In a bowl, toss the pita triangles with olive oil, garlic powder, and sea salt until evenly coated.
4. Spread the pita triangles in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
6. Serve with salsa on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Edamame Beans for a Protein Boost

Edamame beans make for an excellent lunchbox side dish packed with protein and nutrients. These young soybeans are not only delicious but also provide a satisfying crunch and can be served warm or chilled. They are easy to prepare, making them a convenient addition to any meal.

Instructions:

1. If using frozen edamame, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the edamame. If using fresh, simply rinse under cold water.
2. Cook the edamame for about 5-7 minutes or until tender and bright green.
3. Drain and transfer to a bowl, then sprinkle with sea salt. Toss gently to combine.
4. For added flavor, drizzle with sesame oil or sprinkle with chili flakes if desired.
5. Allow to cool slightly, then portion into lunchboxes. Enjoy!